Topical Bible: Women: Domestic Duties of

◄ Women: Domestic Duties of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the domestic duties of women are often highlighted as integral to the functioning and well-being of the family unit. The Scriptures provide various insights into the roles and responsibilities of women within the household, emphasizing virtues such as diligence, wisdom, and nurturing care.

Proverbs 31:10-31 offers a comprehensive portrayal of the "wife of noble character," whose domestic responsibilities are depicted with great esteem. This passage describes a woman who is industrious and resourceful, managing her household with skill and dedication. "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness" (Proverbs 31:27). Her duties include providing food for her family, overseeing servants, and engaging in trade, all while maintaining a spirit of strength and dignity.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the roles of women in the household in his letters. In Titus 2:3-5, Paul instructs older women to teach younger women to "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God" . This passage underscores the importance of domestic responsibilities as a reflection of one's faith and witness to others.

Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:14, Paul advises younger widows to "marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander" . This instruction highlights the significance of household management as a means of upholding the family's reputation and integrity.

The domestic duties of women are also seen in the context of hospitality and service. In Acts 16:14-15, Lydia, a seller of purple goods, is noted for her hospitality after her conversion: "She urged us, 'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.' And she persuaded us" . Her actions demonstrate the role of women in extending hospitality and support within the early Christian community.

Throughout Scripture, the domestic duties of women are portrayed as vital to the spiritual and practical life of the family. These responsibilities are not merely tasks but are seen as expressions of love, faithfulness, and stewardship, contributing to the harmony and stability of the home.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:6
And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes on the hearth.
Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 31:15-19
She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 24:41
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Ministry of Women
... These women served Him with personal ministration of their substance.' Well, I ... and
remind you how very prosaic were their common domestic duties, looking after ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the ministry of women.htm

Article xxiii (xi): of the Marriage of Priests.
... ascribes to the kingdom of Antichrist this mark, namely, the contempt of women. ... the
reader observe that faith is added, and that domestic duties without faith ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 28 article xxiii xi .htm

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... of the demands made upon the women of that ... a period when in addition to the duties
of housewifery ... churning constituted no small item of domestic affairs, and ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

Letter xv. Social and Relative Duties.
... apostle Peter says, that the holy women of old ... leave the family; because your relative
duties would interfere ... M] Remember, it is in the domestic circle where ...
/.../letter xv social and relative.htm

Jacob-Wrestling
... But with all these women and children and cattle"was ever a man ... What with the pressure
of domestic duties: what with the tremendous and cruel competition of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/iv jacob-wrestling.htm

Letter i. Behavior and Manners.
... the performance of her share of the household duties. ... Lovely domestic behavior is
the natural outgrowth and expression ... of the well-educated young women of the ...
/.../letter i behavior and manners.htm

Culture and Christianity: their Relation and Necessity.
... The principles apply with equal force to the women of this country ... in the ordinary
walks of life, silly enough to think that ignorance of domestic duties is an ...
/.../i culture and christianity their relation.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Duties Of The Wife To The Husband. ... a perfect knowledge of their rightful position
in the domestic circle ... of the inspired apostle is that the young women be sober ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Of Learning Philosophy, and what Great Qualifications are ...
... be learned by women, who must learn within the years of their maturity the duties
which are hereafter about to be of service to them for domestic uses; nor by ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxv of learning philosophy and.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... The slave is entirely unprotected in his domestic relations ... in their rights as men
and women, guarded them ... same things unto them (ie perform your duties to your ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm